CTA Bus Driver was Recorded Eating While Driving

 Posted on September 18, 2013 in Personal Injury

When passengers board CTA buses, they expect a smooth ride that is going to be operated safely. According to CBS Chicago, riders on the CTA Fullerton route were both shocked and concerned when their bus driver was doing the exact opposite.

 A CTA passenger reported that the bus was moving slowly with frequent, hard braking. The passenger, Risa Lopez, stated that she looked toward the driver to see what was going on, and saw that the driver was eating a strawberry sundae from McDonalds  with one hand while driving with the other. She decided to videotape the driver on her iPad because she did not think that anyone would believe her otherwise.

Several of the driver's colleagues at the CTA were shocked that a fellow driver would act so irresponsibly, and passengers on the bus agreed. Josue Barerra told CBS Chicago, "I think that's pretty irresponsible."

Passengers depend on the CTA for safe, efficient and affordable transportation in and around Chicago. A CTA spokesperson said, "The safety and security of customers and personnel is the number one priority at CTA. Any reports of operators engaging in unsafe behavior that can be a distraction while operating a vehicle–such as eating, drinking or reading–are taken very seriously and will be investigated to the fullest extent."

The Chicago Transit Authority operates the second largest public transportation in the United States. As of December 2012, they serve 35 suburbs in addition to the city of Chicago. Approximately 3.8 million people use the CTA system every year. The transportation system consists of 129 bus routes and 8 train routes.

If you have been injured because of a negligent operator while using a public transportation system such as the CTA, it is important to seek medical attention, as well as the counsel of an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney. Your personal injury lawyer will assess the case and let you know what your next course of action should be.